Check Out Kate Laing’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Laing

Hi Kate, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Kate Laing, owner and founder of Lionheart Canyon Studio in Omaha, Nebraska! The great outdoors inspires my creative soul, and much of my work is influenced by our beautiful National Parks and public lands. I am drawn to the red rocks of the American Southwest’s desert wilderness, and the forested areas of Nebraska landscapes.

I was a creative child growing up, and my family encouraged me to pursue that as an adult. Following my college education at both the Minneapolis College of Art + Design and Hastings College (Nebraska), I decided to teach myself how to weave. Ten years later, I am doing it professionally under the name Lionheart Canyon Studio! I am involved in our local Omaha arts community, and frequently do shows and markets in the Midwest region.

Creative community is a special branch of my business. My big dream is to make Lionheart Canyon a physical space, and own a retreat space in the desert someday for people to come and create in.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would say the road to where I am now has felt like a rocky trail. The journey has been beautiful despite certain struggles, but those have all led to resilience and courage in my creative life. I am very open about my history of mental health struggles, which is the most significant challenge I’ve learned to work with. Depression, anxiety, trauma and burnout are very real barriers for a lot of people, including myself. I’m thankful that medication and therapy have done wonders for my daily life!

I also rescued a little heeler/border collie in 2020, who I named Sage Biscuit — she’s become the best studio dog, adventure buddy, and source of joy over the last five years.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a multidisciplinary artist with a focus in heirloom quality, textural weaving! I commonly use recycled and natural fibers, like sari silk, handspun yarn, cotton cord, chiffon ribbon and thrifted materials. The fibers have a mind of their own, and I love seeing how my hands interpret that through the weaving process.

Exploring different mediums has been a fun way to expand my creative offerings at various price points, too. In the past three years, I’ve introduced collage works, linocut printmaking and painting to my work. It’s been cool how experimenting with different mediums enhances my creative practice, and keeping a playful attitude towards the work. It’s all meant to bring wildness and cozy feelings to my collectors’ homes.

One of my proudest moments was getting invited to pop up at the Omaha Anthropologie! I’ve done a lot of markets and shows over the years, but that was my single best sales day. I also was invited to install my work for three months at the Omaha Lululemon. It was cool to see these national brands involving local artists in their stores, and I definitely found new collectors through those opportunities.

I’m a firm believer that artwork should be priced its value, while staying accessible to all.. I love collecting artwork myself and understand being on a budget, so this is why I offer payment plans on my work. I’ve found that allows people to collect from me, who might not have been able to otherwise!

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I have a LARGE collection of branches and sticks scattered throughout my apartment! I sew all of my weavings onto foraged branches, most of which I find myself… however in the last year or so, a few people have asked if they can mail me sticks!

Collecting branches while traveling means they have a history and tell stories (always ethically and legally foraged, of course). I have been to 35 states and explored 25 National Parks over the years, Some of my favorite driftwood was found at Artist’s Point in Granda Marais, Minnesota!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lionheartcanyonstudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionheartcanyonstudio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lionheartcanyonstudio